cover image The Big Fix

The Big Fix

Holly James. Kensington, $28 (304p) ISBN 978-1-4967-5174-4

A case of mistaken identity leads to danger and unexpected love in this entertaining contemporary from James (Name Your Price). Computer science professor Penny Collins plans to spend a quiet summer working toward tenure—but when she takes a brief break to check out a nearby estate sale, she lands in hot water. It starts with a squabble with the late owner’s nephew, Anthony Pierce, who, unbeknownst to Penny, is a fixer for the rich and powerful. Then a dead body falls out of one of the house’s closets. The corpse is connected to one of Anthony’s recent jobs, which went horribly awry. Now some very bad men are after him—and, having witnessed his animated argument with Penny, they assume she’s his girlfriend, putting her life in danger as well. The pair go on the run together, dodging danger and becoming enmeshed in a complex missing person case. James keeps the twists coming, leading readers on a fast-paced thrill ride complete with a ruthless villain who will do anything to stop Penny and Anthony in their track. Readers who like their romance to come with plenty of action will be pleased. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong Literary. (Apr.)